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Deadly tornadoes swept across the US midwest for the second time in a month on May 23, causing damage from Wisconsin to Texas and killing at least 91 people. In Joplin, Missouri, 89 people were confirmed dead, but authorities warned that the death toll could climb as search and rescuers continued their work.[1] The twister cut a path nearly 10 kilometres long and more than 800 metres wide through the centre of town. A state of emergency was declared.

A storm system with more than 160 tornados in 24 hours wreaks havoc across six US States with Alabama bearing the brunt. Over 350 people are killed in the second-deadliest tornado outbreak in American history. In addition, 1,730 people in the state were either hospitalised or injured while eight others were listed as missing. The first estimates indicated the tornadoes could result in between $US2 billion and $US5 billion in insurance costs. Whole communities were ripped apart. [2]

Tropical Cyclone Carlos lashed Darwin on 15-16 February 2011. 400 millimetres of rain fell in 24 hours and winds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour knocked down trees and powerlines across the city.[3]. Main roads have been cut by floodwaters and a 6.6-metre high tide is expected later Wednesday.

On 4 February 2011, bitterly cold temperatures set in across the United States following a massive storm which dumped snow, ice and sleet over a 3,000-kilometre stretch from Texas to Maine. The storm - one of the largest since the 1950s - killed dozens and affected around 100 million people.[4]

Tropical Cyclone Yasi smashed the north Queensland coast on 3 February 2011, causing damage with estimated costs in excess of AUS$4b

A national Flood levy is flagged for Australia to cover costs of the 2011 Australian floods estimated to be in excess of AUS$5b